The proprietor of Peters Dairy was Elmer Frank Peters.
According to U.S. Census data and his WWII draft card, Elmer was born on March 31, 1898, in Michigan City.
He is listed in the 1931–32 Michigan City directory as a salesman for the Sanitary Dairy Co.
According to The Dairy Record, volume 34 (1933), Elmer installed new pasteurizing equipment at the Peters Dairy Company at 505 Chicago Street. Based on this, the dairy likely began operations in 1933.
The 505 Chicago Street location was previously Superior Dairy.
In 1940, the dairy moved to a new location at 1015 E. Michigan Street (now Boulevard).
Sadly, Elmer Peters was killed in a car crash at age 54 on August 11, 1952. The South Bend Tribune reported on August 12 that his car collided with a truck on U.S. Highway 20 near Wauseon, Ohio. His wife, Elfrieda, survived the accident but was treated for fractured ribs, cuts, and bruises. He is buried in Greenwood Cemetery in Michigan City.
The dairy did not close after his death. Elmer’s wife, Elfrieda, became president; his brother, Fred R. Peters, became vice president; and Elmer and Elfrieda’s son, Elmer R. Peters, became secretary-treasurer.
An article published by The News-Dispatch of Michigan City on September 1, 1969, stated, “Scholl’s Buys Peters Dairy.” The purchase of Peters Dairy Co. by Scholl Dairy Co., Inc., was announced by officials of both companies. Elmer Peters, secretary and general manager of Peters, said the company would go out of business as of September 1.
The article noted that the change would create no problems for customers already receiving Peters milk. Scholl Dairy secretary Stephen Scholl said the route men would remain the same in most instances.
What’s confusing is that Peters Dairy is still listed in the 1972 phone book and the 1973 Michigan City directory. However, in the 1972 and 1973 directories, the business is listed as Peters Fountain. It’s possible they continued using the Peters name after the dairy operation ended. In 74, the location became Albano’s Frozen Food. More research is needed.
The 1015 E. Michigan St. building was razed on November 3, 1997. It’s now an empty paved lot as of 2026.
1931-32 — Peters Elmer, salesman Sanitary Dairy Co., residence at Warnke Rd.
1934-35 — Peters Dairy, proprietor Elmer Peters, 505 Chicago St.
1936-37 — Peters Dairy, E F Peters, proprietor at 505 Chicago St.
Elmer F Peters (Elfrieda), residence 605 Hobart St.
1938-39 — Peters Dairy, E F Peters, proprietor at 505 Chicago St., phone 908.
1940-41 — Peters Dairy, E F Peters, proprietor at 505 Chicago St., phone 908.
1942-43 — Peters Dairy Co. Inc., E F Peters; President at 1015 E Michigan St., phone 908.
1947 — Peters Dairy Inc., Elmer F Peters; President, 1015 E Michigan, tel 908.
1952 — Peters Dairy Inc., Elmer F Peters; President, 1015 E Michigan, phone 5-5234.
1954 & 1960 — Peters Dairy, Inc., Elfrieda L. Peters; President, Fred R. Peters; Vice-President, Elmer R. Peters; Secretary-Treasurer, 1015 E Michigan, phone 5-5234.
1965 — Same as 1960, but phone # is 874-5234.
1970 — Peters Dairy Co. Inc., Fred R. Peters; President, Elmer R. Peters; Sec-Treas., 1015 E Michigan Blvd.
1971 — Peters Dairy Co. Inc., Fred R. Peters; President, 1015 E Michigan Blvd.
1972 — Peters Fountain, Fred R. Peters; Pres., 1015 E Michigan Blvd.
1973 — Peters Fountain, Gerald Peters; V-Pres., Gary Peters; Sec-Treas., 1015 E Michigan Blvd.
1974 — No longer listed. 1015 E Michigan becomes Albano’s Frozen Food.
Type: Half pint sour cream jar.
Embossing: PETERS DAIRY / SOUR CREAM / MICHIGAN CITY, IND.
Glass Maker: 
(embossed above heel near the left side) Thatcher, SEALED 1-11-14 (on the base and above back heel), REGISTERED (front heel), 49 (on base).
Other Marks:
Notes:
Photo Credit: Indiana Bottle Collectors
(embossed on side near base), Owens Illinois Glass Co.
